Strengthening the Cape Fear community by supporting programs that promote and improve health and wellness.
The Ministering Circle has been contributing to the healthcare of Wilmington’s citizens since 1888
About Our Mission
The Ministering Circle awards grants annually of over $100,000 to local nonprofits providing humanitarian and wellness services in the Cape Fear region. We have also awarded a half-million dollars in endowments and scholarships to the nursing programs at UNCW and Cape Fear Community College.
There aren’t many volunteer organizations that can look back on a record of more than a century of continuous service to the health and wellness of their community, but such is the history of The Ministering Circle. Throughout several generations, our non-denominational group of 50 women has worked tirelessly to attain its goal of serving our beloved neighbors.
Fundraising through our Annual Raffle, our famous Red Apron Gourmet Food Sale and the sales of The Ministering Circle cookbook Favorite Recipes of the Lower Cape Fear, along with gifts, legacies, and memorials to loved ones, supports wonderful and benevolent projects and programs, that serve the Cape Fear region.
Annual Fundraising Initiatives
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The Ministering Circle Annual Raffle
By purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win unique prizes, you’ll also be supporting our mission of funding much needed nursing scholarships at Cape Fear Community College and UNCW and supporting multiple area health and wellness non-profits. Most years we are able to contribute upwards of $100,000 to such programs thanks to our generous sponsors.
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The Red Apron Fall Food Sale
Bakes goods, pickles, frozen foods, and unique raffles! All this and so much more is part of the amazing and delicious “Gourmet for a Cause.” Our fabulous fall food sale is held in October each year. The Red Apron Sale has been a long running and historically successful fundraiser for The Ministering Circle, thanks for our wonderful sponsors and volunteers. Don’t forget to pick-up our famous cookbook.
Our Beneficiaries
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Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships
Wilmington needs nurses. For over 50 years, The Ministering Circle has helped nursing students to access the education and training they need to excel in their specialty and make a meaningful impact on patient care. Our community benefits from the healthcare skills and training as well as the leadership roles these students will attain.
Nursing and Alllied Health Scholarships are available for UNCW and Cape Fear Community College students. Proceeds through The Ministering Circle Annual Sales and sponsorships make the scholarships possible! -
Non-Profit Organization Grants
The Ministering Circle recently announced the grant recipients for $100,176 to various nonprofit organizations that meet the organization’s objective to providing funding for nonprofits that impact our community in the health and wellness area. This year’s recipients include:
Help Hub • Carousel Center • Harrelson Center • Eden Village • St. Mary's Health Center • A Safe Place • Bread for Life • Senior Pantry • Diaper Bank of North Carolina • Nourish NC • Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem • Step UP Wilmington • Cape Fear Literacy Council - Health Literacy • Good Shephard Center • Community Counseling Center • Youth Villages
